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Advocacy Alert

Update—May 1, 2017: Great news, advocates! We are pleased to report that Governor Cuomo signed the 2017-2018 budget, which includes the $5 million funding source for the Companion Animal Capital Fund. Thank you to everyone who spoke up and made your voices heard on behalf of this important issue. We couldn't do it without you!

New York law requires almost every municipality in the state to maintain an animal shelter for homeless and abandoned animals. Not-for-profit SPCAs, humane societies and other animal rescue organizations often contract with local governments to provide sheltering services, but the state provides little or no money to help offset costs.

This year, the New York State Legislature acknowledged the critical infrastructure needs of animal shelters in the state with the creation of the Companion Animal Capital Fund in its Capital Projects Budget bill (A.3004-B/S.2004-B). This will allot $5 million in funds to help shelters with essential structural repairs and improvements.

Advocacy Alert

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Subject
Please support Companion Animal Capital Fund

Dear Governor Cuomo,

As a constituent, I ask you to please support the establishment of a new $5 million Companion Animal Capital Fund in the FY 2017-2018 State Budget. Both chambers of the state legislature acknowledged the critical role of animal shelters in New York State by funding this initiative in their respective 2017-2018 Capital Projects Budget bills (A.3004-B/S.2004-B).

New York law requires almost every municipality in the state to maintain an animal shelter to harbor lost, stray or surrendered animals for its residents. In many cases, not-for-profit SPCAs, humane societies and other animal rescue organizations provide this service with little or no state support.

In many circumstances, these sheltering entities provide much more for their communities: “safe harbor” pet retention programs for victims of domestic violence, training programs, and they often serve as caretakers for animals held as evidence in criminal cases.

Recent polling by the New York State Animal Protection Federation suggests there is over $50 million in funding needs by the state's shelters. Many sheltering facilities statewide haven’t seen building renovations in several decades. By helping to meet shelters’ needs for essential structural improvements, you ensure their ability to help animals in need and serve their communities for many years to come.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]
[Your Address]

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